Pearlie B. Johnson

Pearlie B. Johnson was born on May 20, 1934, in Shellman, Georgia, to the late Eldora and Mercer Johnson. She was the eldest daughter of 12 children. Pearlie departed this life on Monday, September 24, 2018, in Mesquite, Texas, at age 84.

At an early age, Pearlie B. joined Mt. Avery Missionary Baptist Church in Shellman, Georgia. She attended Martin Calvery Elementary School and Shellman Vocational High School. In 1953, at the age of 17, she married Peter Johnson who preceded her in death.

Pearlie B. eventually made her home in Rochester, New York, where she joined Central Church of Christ. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eastern Star, St. Mary’s Chapter. One of her favorite joys in the organization was being Marshall.

She considered herself to be a “Jack of all trades.” She worked for Bausch & Lomb; as a cook at Monroe Developmental Center; as a concession cook at Blue Cross Arena; as a Teacher’s Aide; and as a Foster Grandparent through Rochester City Schools. Among many hobbies, she loved to fish and travel.

Pearlie B. continued working and enjoying life in Rochester, New York, until an unfortunate car accident in 2006. She then moved to Garland, Texas, where she began a whole new phase of her journey. In Texas, she made Eastside Church of Christ her spiritual home. She still enjoyed traveling and took her first cruise at 78 years-old. She went on two more cruises thereafter and traveled on many other trips and outings with the Garland Senior Center. She enjoyed many close friendships.

Pearlie B. was preceded in death by her son, John A. Johnson; brothers: Clarence A. Johnson, Mercer Johnson, Jr. and Alphonzo Johnson; and sister, Mary Alice Shepard. Those left to cherish precious memories include her children: John L. Johnson (Sheila), Patricia Debnam (Fred), Everett “E.D.” Johnson (Daryl), Melissa Jackson (Omar), and Serveria Manning (Michael); and grandchildren: April, Dale, Amanda, Troy, Derek, Ranesha, Meghan, Jessica, Shane, Cody, Janelle, Omar, Jr., and Micah. She considered her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild as her greatest gifts.   

Also left to cherish fond memories are her brothers: Robert Johnson (Doris), Willie J. Johnson (Mildred), George Johnson, Ross Johnson, and Norris Johnson; sisters, Leola Delain and Eleanor Wade (Terry); sisters-in-law: Mary Johnson, Maudie Johnson, and Earlene Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Pearlie B. truly never met a stranger, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. 

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